The research program is being carried out under the auspices of the UNE Asia Centre (UNEAC) which has already established itself as a multi-disciplinary, cross-faculty centre at UNE.
In establishing this new research group at UNE we propose to develop Environmental and Social Impact studies of Resource Development in Asia as an area of research strength at UNE.
Economic growth in Asia has involved substantial resource development and considerable environmental and social variation. It has brought benefits but has also involved costs to society.
The process of technological change and extensive utilisation of non-renewable resources, rapid population growth and a greater penetration of market forces has led, in some cases, to detrimental environmental impacts but also to improved standards of living, and changes in the structure of rural and urban communities.
The research initiative program will undertake uni- and multi-disciplinary research projects relating to the overall program theme. Resources are identified in the widest possible sense here, ranging from mineral, hydrocarbon and other natural resources (e.g. timber, soil, ground-water, marine resources etc.), to agricultural & horticultural resources, and human resources (labour).
The kinds of studies to be undertaken within the proposed program could focus on general development issues relating to globalisation, industrialisation, integration of economies, models of development (eg. capitalist/socialist/Islamic) and the problem of "winners" vs. "losers" in resource development.
More specific studies could include socio-economic and environmental impact studies of: Agriculture and land use; Land resettlement; Mining & quarrying; Oil & gas exploration and extraction; Groundwater; Clean water supplies and sanitation facilities; Dams (water resources/energy); Logging (effects on ecosystem, biodiversity); Fishing Industry (effects on marine ecosystem, marine life etc.); Infrastructure development (roads, bridges, communications); Labour utilisation (including female labour, child labour, and migrant labour); Demographic change; and Tourism (eco-tourism; heritage tourism; recreational tourism, eg. golf courses).
It is envisaged that the program will cover both regional/country based studies and also thematic and comparative studies.